The City of Winter Haven will soon begin a major infrastructure project to install new sewer and water main lines in portions of the community currently served by septic systems and aging water infrastructure.

Construction is expected to begin March or April 2026 and continue for approximately 12–18 months.

This investment supports Winter Haven’s commitment to protecting our natural environment while improving essential infrastructure for residents.

Why this Project Matters

Protecting Our Lakes & Natural Resources

Winter Haven is proud to be known as the Chain of Lakes City, home to more than 50 lakes that are central to our environment, economy, and quality of life.

Septic systems located near water bodies can contribute nutrients and pollutants to groundwater and nearby lakes. The new sewer system will allow wastewater to be safely transported, treated, and reused or returned to the environment in a controlled way, helping protect the health of our lakes and waterways.

Modern Infrasturcture

This project will install new sewer infrastructure where none currently exists and replace aging water mains to ensure long-term reliability for residents.

Fire Protection

The project will also introduce fire hydrants and improved fire protection to an area that currently does not have hydrant coverage.

Project Benefits

Infrastructure Benefits

• Installation of new sewer main lines to support conversion from septic to sewer
• Replacement of aging water infrastructure for improved reliability
• Addition of fire hydrants and improved fire protection
• Long-term infrastructure built for resilience and longevity

Additional Community Benefits

Beyond infrastructure improvements, this project brings several additional benefits to the neighborhood and the broader community.

• Improved protection of local lakes and groundwater
• Increased property values, as sewer service is often preferred by homebuyers
• Greater convenience by eliminating septic system maintenance and failures
• Reduced risk of pollutants entering nearby water sources

Construction Timeline

Estimated Start: March–April 2026
Estimated Duration: 12–18 months

Work will take place in phases throughout the project area.

What Residents Can Expect During Construction

Construction will take place within existing utility easements, which typically extend 10–25 feet from the center of the roadway and often include the area between the street and sidewalks, powerlines, or water meters.

This means residents may see activity along roadside areas or the edge of yards during construction.

The City and our contractor, B&B Underground, will work to minimize disruptions and ensure all areas are fully restored once construction is complete.

During the project you may notice:

• Temporary construction noise
• Work crews and construction equipment
• Dirt, digging, and construction materials
• Signage and safety barriers

Road Closures & Temporary Access Roads

A small portion of the park will be closed during construction. Adjacent parking spaces will be temporarily closed during construction. The parking lot on the east side of South Central Park will be limited during the actual installation of the Carillon in middle April.

Future Sewer Connections

Under Florida law, properties that gain access to a public sewer system must decommission their septic system and connect to sewer within one year of receiving official notice of sewer availability.

The City understands that connection costs can be significant for homeowners. Estimated total costs may range from $18,000–$22,000, depending on individual property conditions.

Sewer Connection Cost Assistance

City staff are actively pursuing solutions to assist residents before any connections are required. Potential options being explored include:

• Grant funding opportunities
• Financial assistance programs
• Environmental funding solutions that support septic-to-sewer conversions
• Other funding mechanisms to reduce the burden on homeowners

No final funding program has been determined yet. The City is committed to identifying solutions and providing full details before infrastructure becomes available for connection.

Contact Information

For general project questions:

Kassidy King, Customer Relations Specialist
P: (863) 298-5495
E: kking@mywinterhaven.com

For construction-related emergencies during work hours:

Steve Rheiner, Construction Project Manager
P: (863) 298-5490
E: srheiner@mywinterhaven.com

Stay Informed: Project Updates

The best way to stay informed about construction progress and future connection information is to sign up for updates through this dedicated project notification page.

Updates will include:

• Construction progress
• Road closure notices
• Important project milestones
• Information about the future sewer connection process